Book Recommendations: 25 of my favourite books - Part two
Here is part two of my 25-book recommendations blog, where I recommend the remaining 13 novels, from romance to Dark Academia to YA.
I'm back with part two of my book recommendations post, where I'm sharing 25 of my favourite books in honour of turning 25 last month. I shared a social media post with my 25 favourite books I read this year, but I thought I'd share more about them on my blog.
Last week, I shared the first 12 books, which you can read here. Now, I'm back with part two of my 25 favourite books blog series.
So, if you're in need of some more book recommendations, continue reading and check out the book recs below.
25 Book Recommendations - Part Two
Heir of Storms
Genre: YA Fantasy
Author: Lauryn Hamilton Murray
Synopsis: "I am the girl who wove the storm that shook the world. And I’m coming for my crown.
When Blaze came into the world, she almost drowned it.
"Blaze, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Her birth summoned a devastating storm that resulted in the deaths of thousands, and she has spent her life as an outsider, reviled and feared.
"When Blaze and her twin brother, Flint, are selected to compete in the Choosing Rite, the trials which decide the future rulers of the empire, she’s suddenly thrust into the limelight – and into battle.
Threats abound at the Golden Palace, where intrigue and romance await with not one but two handsome suitors: the enchanting Crown Prince and a dangerously alluring newcomer at court.
"As her powers strengthen and her fellow competitors fall, the throne is suddenly within her grasp. But in order to take the crown, she’ll have to leave behind the stories that others have told about her and find the courage to write her own."
My Thoughts: This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I'm so glad I listened to their recommendation because I thoroughly enjoyed this YA fantasy novel. I immediately bought book two after finishing it because it was just that good.
The Love Hypothesis
Genre: STEM Romance
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Synopsis: "As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships - but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.
"That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor - and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding...six-pack abs.
"Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope."
My Thoughts: I actually first read The Love Hypothesis several years ago, but decided to re-read it this year because of the movie's release. Revisiting Olive and Adam's story made me realise just how much I love this book, but also Ali Hazelwood's writing.
The Heirs
Genre: YA Mystery
Author: Faridah Abike-Iyimide
Synopsis: "MEET THE HEIRS. Octavius the Maestro. Fola the Brain. Bilal the Olympian. Perdita the Artist. Romeo the Failure.
"FIVE PRODIGIES. Everyone has heard of the Button heirs: the five genius children of infamous billionaire Leontes Button. Adopted and trained under the "Button Method", they've had no choice but to be brilliant.
"ONE DEAD FATHER. But brilliance comes at a deadly price. Because at their father's tenth annual Prodigy Ball, Leontes Button is murdered.
"A MANSION FULL OF SUSPECTS. As long-buried secrets come to light, one thing is clear: everyone at the ball had reason to want him dead. After all, their father was especially good at making enemies..."
My Thoughts: I received a NetGalley ARC of The Heirs and I loved it! This book is a YA murder mystery that gives Knives Out and Umbrella Academy vibes. I love a YA book and have read three of Faridah's novels this year, so that just proves how much I enjoy her storytelling.
Daybreak
Genre: Dark Academia Romance
Author: Autumn Woods
Synopsis: "Alex Corbeau-Green left his heart behind. Now his world is burning down, and Ophelia Winters is desperate to prove she didn’t strike the match. When she first joined Sorrowsong University, she wanted nothing more than to destroy Alex and his high-powered family. But that was before she knew him – before she fell for the man behind the reputation.
"In the face of an unthinkable betrayal and the disappearance of his father, Alex is forced to return to New York, hoping to forget what he had with Ophelia and to undo the damage done to his family.
"In Scotland, Ophelia is left reeling, alone . . . and watched. With a new anonymous tormentor threatening them both, the pair find themselves drawn back to one another. But can they rebuild the love and trust between them? And, even if they can, will it be enough to keep them alive?"
My Thoughts: Daybreak is book two in the Sorrowsong University series and it was such a fun read. It's full of typical dark academia tropes, and grips you from the very start. I loved reading Daybreak and revisiting the mysterious world Autumn Woods created.
I Killed The King
Genre: Fantasy Whodunnit
Author: Rebecca Mix and Andrea Hannah
Synopsis: "After a decade of war, the kingdoms of Avendell and Istellia have finally agreed to peace. As nobles and magic wielders from both countries arrive at remote Castle Avendell for a historic all-night masquerade to celebrate, King Costis summons an unlikely group to his chambers: the crown prince, his Istellian bride-to-be, his personal guard, a wild beast tamer, and the palace’s questionable new healer. But before Costis can reveal why he has gathered them, the castle goes dark.
"When the lights come back, the king is dead – murdered with the princess’s knife, in a weak spot only his guard knew of, and with venom from one of the beast tamer’s monsters lacing the blade.
With no clear killer – and everyone a suspect – they make a risky pact: tell no one until the treaty is signed.
"But when a winter storm seals everyone inside and someone aware of the king's untimely death begins to pick off guests one by one, the six suspects must work together to discover who killed the king … before one of them is next."
My Thoughts: I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins UK and didn't really know what to expect going into it. However, I got hooked and couldn't put it down. It was such a fun and intriguing read that blends the fantasy and murder mystery genres really well.
Phantasma
Genre: Dark Romantasy
Author: Kaylie Smith
Synopsis: "There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.
"When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish.
"Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals.
"Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain. Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.
"Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him. Blackwell doesn’t seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer.
Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart…"
My Thoughts: I had heard lots of good things about Phantasma, so I was slightly wary when reading it that it wouldn't live up to the hype. However, I'm glad to say it does live up to the hype and met all my expectations. It's the perfect read when it's gloomy weather and you want to snuggle up by the fire.
Rewind It Back
Genre: Sports Romance
Author: Liz Tomforde
Synopsis: "HALLIE: When I was eleven, my family moved next door to his. When I was thirteen, he was my first crush. When I was sixteen, we fell for each other. And when I was nineteen, we broke each other's hearts.
"Six years later, I've landed an internship with a big-name interior designer in a new city. Unfortunately, that city just so happens to be the one he plays hockey for. I thought Chicago was big enough to avoid him, until I get the surprise of a lifetime and unknowingly move in right next door. Even worse? The renovation project I'm assigned to in hopes of turning that internship into my full-time dream job... It's his house.
"But how am I supposed to update his bachelor pad into a family home when we can't even stand to be in the same room? I may have loved Rio DeLuca once, but I'm not that same girl anymore.
"RIO: I never thought I'd be the only single one left in my friend group. But after years of trying to find love, I've concluded it may not exist for me anymore.
"That is, until I accidentally hire Hallie Hart to renovate my house and our jaded history has me rewinding memories I've kept secret for years. You see, there's something that my friends don't know.
"That connection I've been looking for since I moved to Chicago, that one person some search their entire lives to find . . . I had already found her when I was twelve years old.
"And now the only girl I've ever loved is moving into the house next door. Again."
My Thoughts: Rewind It Back is the final book in the Windy City series, which is one of my favourite romance series. This book was such a joy to read that I just had to include it on this list of recommendations.
Breathe With Me
Genre: Sports Romance
Author: Becka Mack
Synopsis: "Cara Hunter is a self-made woman. Driven and fearless, she’s never lost a battle. In fact, the only time she’s fallen to her knees was, well … for him.
"Emmett Brodie might be one of hockey’s hottest players, but the moment he sees Cara, he’s reduced to a single word: hers. And he’ll stop at nothing to change her last name.
"With a love as all-encompassing and fierce as theirs, they become the ultimate power couple. But when they decide it’s time to have a baby, they discover their journey to conceive will be anything but easy. As they face-off with infertility, a battle that strips them to their bones, they’ll see just how unshakeable their foundation really is.
"They thought they could survive anything together, but how do you survive when you’re barely breathing?"
My Thoughts: Another sports romance recommendation, but this one is so much more than that. It explores the hardships of relationships and infertility, and it got me feeling all kinds of emotions. If you're looking for a romance that will make you laugh and cry, this one is perfect.
Hat Trick
Genre: Sports Romance
Author: Chelsea Curto
Synopsis: "Riley Mitchell has everything he could ever want. He’s a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion. He has great friends, a fun life, and he’s living out his dream of playing hockey in the NHL.
"Except one night, everything changes.
"After a car accident leaves him with an amputated right leg, he struggles with his identity. Who is he away from the ice? How is he supposed to live without the sport that means everything to him?
"Enter Lexi Armstrong, the DC Stars athletic trainer assigned to Riley’s rehabilitation. Independent, proudly single, and a sarcastic ray of sunshine, she’s determined to help Riley feel better not just physically, but mentally too.
"And the friends with benefits arrangement they fall into? Definitely not part of the rehabilitation plan.
"It was supposed to be one night, but when just once turns into something much deeper than a romp in the bedroom, they have a decision to make.
"Do they fight their feelings and keep things purely physical? Or can they pull off a Hat Trick and find something that lasts forever?"
My Thoughts: I only discovered the DC Stars series this year and read the first four books in quick succession. I thoroughly enjoyed them all but Hat Trick was by far the best in my opinion. It delves deeper than just being a sports romance and I couldn't help but fall in love with the story.
The Daisy Chain Flower Shop
Genre: Small Town Romance
Author: Laurie Gilmore
Synopsis: "Daisy is fed up with being unlucky in love. And since Mayor Kelly declared her beloved flower shop cursed in one of his infamous visions, business has been slow.
"Dream Harbor newcomer Elliot has been adjusting to small-town life following his own relationship turmoil. And until now he’s avoided the flower shop at all costs. If the mayor is correct, he doesn’t need any more bad luck in his life.
"When he finds himself walking through the door of the Daisy Chain Flower Shop, he doesn’t expect it to be a life-changing moment. But as the petals blossom in the sunlight, might the unluckiest woman in Dream Harbor finally find that love comes when you’re least expecting it?"
My Thoughts: Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series has become more than just a romance series. It's now a full-on brand, and when the latest instalment came out, I knew I had to read it. The Daisy Chain Flower Shop became one of my favourite books in the entire series, so that says how much I enjoyed it.
This Summer Will Be Different
Genre: Summer Romance
Author: Carley Fortune
Synopsis: "The first time Lucy and Felix met she was on vacation on Prince Edward Island. And a tour of the beaches wasn’t the only thing he showed her. But when she discovered his true identity as her best friend, Bridget’s brother, their electric night should have become a distant memory…
Each year with Lucy and Bridget’s return for a summer escape, she promises herself she won’t end up in Felix’s arms, but it’s easier said than done.
"Not this year though. This year it will be different. With Bridget facing the biggest crisis of her life, Lucy must join her for one last trip to the island.
"But Felix’s sparkling eyes and flirty quips have been replaced with something new, something more and Lucy’s beginning to wonder just how safe her heart truly is."
My Thoughts: This year, I've tried to read more of Carley Fortune's books because I loved the first two I read in 2025. This Summer Will Be Different was such a fun romance novel that I just couldn't put it down. I think I finished it in about eight hours across two days, and I loved it.
A Touch of Magic at the Comfort Food Café
Genre: Romance
Author: Debbie Johnson
Synopsis: "Reclusive author Sarah is seeking refuge in the quiet village of Budbury, and the last thing she needs is a fake boyfriend. Except that’s exactly what she gets – and the fake boyfriend just happens to be gorgeous, rugged Aidan, complete with an easy charm and an old soul that makes him seem like he’s just stepped straight out of the pages of a novel.
"Using him to keep her nosy family at bay, he’s happy to do her a favour in return for help with his rather unusual dog-sitting predicament.
"But nothing in Budbury stays pretend for long. Especially not when there’s a hint of autumn magic in the air, with a sprinkle of Halloween mischief."
My Thoughts: The Comfort Food Café series is one of my favourite comfort series, and A Touch of Magic at the Comfort Food Café was such a lovely addition. It's full of autumnal charm, friendly neighbours and happiness. I would highly recommend it if you enjoy books that have a happily ever after and are seasonal.
Everything I Know About Love
Genre: Non-Fiction
Author: Dolly Alderton
Synopsis: "Nearly everything I know about love, I've learnt from my long-term friendships with women.
"I know that love can be loud and jubilant. It can be dancing in the swampy mud and the pouring rain at a festival and shouting “YOU ARE AMAZING” over the band. It’s laughing until you wheeze. It’s walking along the street together on a Saturday night and feeling an entire city is yours.
"I also know that love is a pretty quiet thing. It’s lying on the sofa together drinking coffee, talking about where you’re going to go that morning to drink more coffee. It’s folding down pages of books you think they’d find interesting.
"I know that love happens under the splendour of fireworks and sunsets, but also happens when you’re lying on blow-up airbeds in a childhood bedroom, sitting in A&E or in the queue for a passport."
My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. I don't normally read non-fiction books, but Everything I Know About Love was a memoir that I found really relatable, emotional and inspiring. It's one of those books that I think people, especially women, should read at least once in their life.
That marks the end of my 25 book recommendations. If you've read any of these, I'd love to hear your thoughts, and if you have book recommendations too, feel free to leave a comment.
Until next time...
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